CLIMATE CHANGE & THE CHURCH

Climate change is one of the most serious threats to the Earth, and most scientists

accept this now. The main cause of the increase in global temperatures is

from higher levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere coming mainly from the

burning of fossil fuels. The five hottest years on record were all within the last

decade 2005, 1998, 2002, 2003 and 2004.

However climate change often takes the back seat to other issues in everyday

life and in the life of the Church. We may be aware of the problem but have not

made any changes

man and the environment that we live in and that God has given us the responsibility

to look after his creation rather than to pollute and destroy it. The

Church of England would like to take a lead in the climate change debate, and is

encouraging Churches to reduce their emissions of carbon dioxide. You may

think that it will make no difference if a few Churches change, but if we all reduce

to enable its members and institutions to address - in faith, practice, and mission

- the pressing issue of climate change. It aims to challenge, encourage and support

the whole body of the Church to shrink our environmental footprint. It will

change Church activities, structures and processes, producing sustainable reductions

in the Church of England’s carbon emissions to 40% of current levels

by 2050.

carbon emissions. The purpose is to identify the baseline against which

to set the Church’s targets. The areas to be looked at would include the Church

building and Hall, clergy housing and travel, parishioners travel to Church on a

Sunday and to Church Meetings. From this a target can be set for reducing

footprint. This covers lighting, heating, insulation and transport. By identifying

when and where energy is used it is possible to make changes that make

energy use more efficient. Behavioural changes cost nothing e.g. switching off

unnecessary lighting. Other investments may cost money, but are paid back by

the energy saved.

national programme offering a creation care toolkit to Churches consisting of a

simple environmental audit and free resources. Churches demonstrating action

in incorporating the environment into worship, taking practical action, and working

with the local and global community can apply to become an ‘Ecocongregation’.